The Renowned Actress Pauline Collins, Lead Actress of Shirley Valentine, Passes Away at Eighty-Five Years Old
The celebrated actress Pauline Collins, best known for her role in the film Shirley Valentine, has passed away at the age of 85.
She died peacefully in her London residence, in the company of her family after living with Parkinson's for a number of years, as stated by her family.
Her legacy will be defined for her portrayal of unhappy homemaker Shirley in Lewis Gilbert's award-winning film, based on the celebrated theatrical production by Willy Russell.
Her critically acclaimed performance also earned her the Golden Globe Award for best actress along with a Bafta.
'Sparkling Personality'
Collins' family released a statement saying: "Pauline was so many things to countless individuals, portraying diverse characters in her life. A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen. Her distinguished work saw her portray leaders, parents, and royalty."
"Her memory will endure as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine - a role that she made all her own. We were familiar with all those aspects of her personality because her magic was contained in each one of them."
The statement continued she was their "devoted mother, our beloved grandmother and great-grandma", and actor John Alderton's "life-long love"
"Kind, humorous, giving, considerate, intelligent, she was always there for us," they expressed, appreciating her carers, who looked after her with "respect, empathy, and above all affection"
"She could not have had a calmer departure. We ask that you recall her at the peak of her career; radiant and energetic; and give us the space and privacy to contemplate a life without her"
Broadway Role
She initially performed the lead part of Shirley Valentine at the Vaudeville Theatre in the UK capital in 1988. She won that year's Olivier award for outstanding actress.
The following year she reprised the role on the New York stage, where she picked up numerous prizes including a prestigious Tony award.
The movie adaptation was launched shortly after.
Her other films included 1991's City of Joy with actor Patrick Swayze, shot in Kolkata, which gained her international fame worldwide.
A native of Exmouth in 1940, she grew up near the city of Liverpool and started out her career as a teacher.
Her love of the stage led her to take up acting on a part-time basis, and in 1957 she appeared briefly as a nurse in the TV series Emergency Ward 10.
She featured in the film Secrets of a Windmill Girl in 1966, playing a fictional dancer in a London striptease nightclub, the Windmill Theater.
After a number of stage roles, she used her Liverpool accent to secure a part on The Liver Birds.
It was through acting that she met her husband John Alderton. They wed in 1969 and had three children, their sons and daughter.
The couple performed together in a number of television and film roles, such as the series Upstairs, Downstairs, in which she played a maid in ITV's popular series.
